A1 crash: Dad of three, 51, named as victim of horror lorry smash that killed three as devastated family pay tribute

A DEVASTATED family has paid tribute to a dad of three who tragically died in the horror lorry crash on the A1 on Thursday evening.

Paul Mullen, of Durham, was driving in his Toyota Hilux when he suffered fatal injuries in the incident.

The crash involved four cars and two lorries, one of which caught fire as a result of the collision.

The 51-year-old leaves behind his partner and three children.

In a statement, his family said: “Our hearts are broken. Life will never be the same again. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

Witnesses described the scene as "carnage" as four cars and two lorries crashed after a lorry jack-knifed on the roads outside of Durham.

Two others were killed - another man and a woman in a Vauxhall Crossland.

Our hearts are broken. Life will never be the same again.

From the Mullen family statement

Formal identification of the other victims is expected to take some time - but the families of the victims have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Several others were injured in the collision, with two requiring hospital treatment.

Meanwhile, a 41-year-old man – the driver of one of the lorries – has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody.

'IT WAS CARNAGE'

A witness told The Sun: “It was carnage. There was debris all over the carriage and numerous people were stood around clearly in shock.”

Around a dozen soldiers who were passing rushed to help the victims.

Detective Superintendent Dave Ashton, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a harrowing incident for everyone involved and our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have lost their loved ones."

The road will remain closed for the rest of the day, as investigators continue their work at the scene, police confirmed.

A North East Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "We took two people to the University of North Durham Hospital."

The road was closed last night as police, fire and ambulance services worked at the scene.

Motorists were asked to avoid the area.

Officers are looking to speak to anyone who has dashcam footage of the incident.

Witnesses are asked to call 101 and quote incident number 332 of July 15.